Much like the company’s previous methanol fuel cell prototypes, the Mobion universal charger harnesses the power of a chemical reaction to generate electricity – in this case 25 Watt-hours – without any need for a wall connection. It uses a standard USB connection for sharing power with any mobile device, from cell phones to digital cameras, and has LED lights to show status.

MTI says the third-generation Mobion chip in the charger helps reduce the size and boost efficiency, allowing current-generation fuel cells to generate an impressive 1,800 Watt-hours of electricity for every kilogram of fuel.

Though the Mobion universal charger won’t be available on store shelves this year, MTI hopes to ramp up commercial production by the end of 2009.